As an actor, I used to say that I couldn't afford to have a moral backbone. Or as another financially desperate actor told me, "I'd play the dog food in a dog food commercial." That Faustian deal is part of why the studios keep telling WGA and SAG members we should be grateful we even get to participate in the entertainment industry (making billionaires more money). Now that I'm no longer pursuing this kind of work, I feel like the true marker of success is not having to make any ethical compromises. No more showing up on set and having a costume with leather or fur, even though I ask for them not to be (which only makes me look difficult -- I mean, shouldn't I just be grateful for the opportunity?). No more worrying about working with someone with a less than savory reputation -- I don't have to please agents or managers. No more using my face to hawk other people's stuff -- my body is not a billboard. But I do not blame anyone who makes those choices. Without a social safety net, even the best trained and most talented creatives have to make a living somehow, and that's usually through commercial endeavors. All because our bank accounts define our worth. Sheesh.
love the line about feeling out of balance when you don't create as much as you're consuming - we're not just over consuming materials, it's information too, and that can be just as addicting! ty for including that it's a great reminder
Hi Isabelle, there is a book with the terribly self-promotional, self-help-cliche, brash title "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" but in this case, one has to avoid judging the book by its cover - definitely. It outlines a framework for living based on values. It is aimed at Americans whose financial success leaves them feeling hollow.
As an actor, I used to say that I couldn't afford to have a moral backbone. Or as another financially desperate actor told me, "I'd play the dog food in a dog food commercial." That Faustian deal is part of why the studios keep telling WGA and SAG members we should be grateful we even get to participate in the entertainment industry (making billionaires more money). Now that I'm no longer pursuing this kind of work, I feel like the true marker of success is not having to make any ethical compromises. No more showing up on set and having a costume with leather or fur, even though I ask for them not to be (which only makes me look difficult -- I mean, shouldn't I just be grateful for the opportunity?). No more worrying about working with someone with a less than savory reputation -- I don't have to please agents or managers. No more using my face to hawk other people's stuff -- my body is not a billboard. But I do not blame anyone who makes those choices. Without a social safety net, even the best trained and most talented creatives have to make a living somehow, and that's usually through commercial endeavors. All because our bank accounts define our worth. Sheesh.
THIS IS SUCH AN INTERESTING TAKE! Thanks for sharing Gia <3
love the line about feeling out of balance when you don't create as much as you're consuming - we're not just over consuming materials, it's information too, and that can be just as addicting! ty for including that it's a great reminder
Yessss we consume so much and its just so unnatural!!! <3
Hi Isabelle, there is a book with the terribly self-promotional, self-help-cliche, brash title "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" but in this case, one has to avoid judging the book by its cover - definitely. It outlines a framework for living based on values. It is aimed at Americans whose financial success leaves them feeling hollow.
Haha, I've heard of this book but I've always been put off by the name! Thanks for enlightening me, perhaps I'll finally give it a go. :)
Slowing down life is one of the best things for mental health. Lovely read!
It is, isn't it? :)